Travel Guide: Hawaii
Posted on 31 May 2018
Checking off one of our bucket list destinations, our Founder Michelle, recently spent two weeks in the island paradise of Hawaii. Here are the top tips for Maui and Oahu.
Maui
Peaceful and quiet, we eased into our first six days in Hawaii here.Ho'okipa Beach Park - They look like giant boulders from far away, but step closer and you'll see. Every night at sunset, 80 to 100 sea turtles quietly emerge from the ocean to bask on the beach for the night. It's a magical site.
Hana Highway - The road to Hana is an excellent example where it's the journey that matters, and not the destination. This epic drive is 84km along a narrow two lane winding 'highway' and takes you around 620 curves, over 59 bridges, (46 of which are only one lane wide) and through tropical rainforest and countless waterfalls. Be prepared to hang on tight for the 3.5 hour journey.
North Shore (Oahu) - All the locals will tell you that you must visit. Take your car and explore the beautiful Northern coast, stopping off at historic surf towns Haleiwa for the surf vibe, or Pa'ia Town for fish tacos. Keep driving and hop from one stunning beach to the next, watching surfers at the birth place of big wave surfing Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach for relaxing and sunbathing.
Book yourself into a traditional Hawaiian feast and dance performance that lasts hours. Drums of the Pacific Luau starts at sunset and was once in a lifetime. Old Lahaina Luau is supposed to be the most traditional and Feast at Lele is also highly recommeneded.
Honolulu
Bustling and international, we stayed in the heart of Waikiki and explored from there.
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art & Culture/Honolulu Museum of Art This was one of the highlights of the trip. Former home of Doris Duke, Shangrila is an architectural marvel and houses one of the broadest private collections of Islamic Art in the world.
Visit Pearl Harbour for a dose of American history. The shopping in Honolulu is overwhelming, with American and international brands as well as homegrown brands. If you're in the mood to shop, Ala Moana Mall is the mega mall of all malls.
Arvo Cafe - right in the middle of artsy Kakaako neighbourhood, Arvo Cafe is a designer and garden store and cafe serving the most Instagrammable avocado toasts and maatcha lattes. Walk around the area to discover as many artists' murals as you can.
